The book describes how the elves were out hunting deer or similar animals in Mirkwood. However, I doubt they will take that route, with the dwarves blundering into their fairy ring multiple times. So, what will be the reason that the elves come across the dwarves (who apparently escape from the spiders right before their encounter with the elf patrol)?

It's pretty certain that it will have happened soon after the spider rescue by Bilbo, as evidence by the picture of Gloin covered in webbing being questioned and his family locket held by a presumably elven hand?

1. I favor that they might have been called out because of the goblin raiding party that came from the mountains, and continues to pursue the dwarves. They could be hunting spiders, but those are more incidental to the journey, and the dwarves are probably going to be lost when they get captured. This also give further credence to Thranduil being a bit upset at stirring up the orcs that pursue them into his domain. He's already upset that they won't tell him what they were doing in the forest.

2. Who will be leading the hunting party? Will we see Thranduil? Legolas & Tauriel? All of them?

3. If number 1 is correct, and it is orcs they are hunting, will we get to see any action? This was passed over in LOTR, where Haldir and Lorien elves wiped out a band of orcs pursuing from Moria, but it was cut from all versions. This might bring that idea back. Maybe it's a 'close call' but the elves don't know the dwarves are the target.

From the comic-con footage, we already know that Legolas and Tauriel are among the elves who capture the dwarves. To me, the fingers of the hand look rather slender, so perhaps it's Tauriel holding the picture. That would be my best guess.

I'd rather the dwarves not be continuously followed by the orcs. It works as it is in the book, no need to change it any more. There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall and the bells in the steeple, too. And up in the nursery an absurd little bird is popping out to say coo-coo (coo-coo, coo-coo).

I think it's fitting for it to be Legolas! I like that a lot There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall and the bells in the steeple, too. And up in the nursery an absurd little bird is popping out to say coo-coo (coo-coo, coo-coo).

The transition in the novel from narrowly escaping spiders and only having mere seconds to catch their breath before being arrested by Wood-elves is broad enough that the Elves firing some action-packed arrows into a few more spiders won't be any sort of giant change in the narrative.

We know historically from the novels that the elves love all animals and though they hunt, it's more ritualistic - but they despise the spiders. Not that motivations always make it into film: in hindsight it stings a lot that Legolas entire motivation for the Fellowship Quest (penance, for losing Gollum) is traded for some inate bromance action with Aragorn. Though it's clear he's fond of Gandalf as well.

Not being rude but you got it wrong, they are not out hunting deer, they are out having a picnic. If you want to say not I would prefer you read it your self, if I'm wrong I am sorry but I think I'm right.

There's a passage about hunting horns... yes, the fires and feasting is at night...later.

"...when they became aware of a dim blowing of horns in the wood and tghe sound as of dogs baying far off. Then they all fell silent; and as they sat it seemed they could hear the noise of a great hunt going by to the north of the path..."

Ardamírë I like it too, if in the end is like this it's going to be such a brilliant moment! We will know where the joke on Legolas is :) The first time he'll get to see his best friend "There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something."